World Cup winner N'Golo Kanté has been recalled by France for their World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan.
Kanté made his 64th and last appearance for France in November last year in a goalless draw with Israel. The ever-energetic midfielder is on the books of Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad.
"He is at his best level," France coach Didier Deschamps said on Thursday after unveiling his 24-player list. "When I call him, it's not to make him feel he is part of the group, it's to give him an important role."
Group D leaders France can secure qualification for next year's World Cup with a win against second-placed Ukraine on Nov. 13 at Parc des Princes.
Deschamps' side will then fly to Baku for the game against Azerbaijan three days later.
Up front Deschamps is missing injured Paris Saint-Germain forwards Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé. But he has plenty of firepower at his disposal including in-form Tottenham striker Randal Kolo Muani and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé.
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France squad in full
Goalkeepers:
Lucas Chevalier, Mike Maignan, Brice Samba
Defenders:
Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernández, Théo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano
Midfielders:
Eduardo Camavinga, N'Golo Kanté, Manu Koné, Michael Olise, Warren Zaïre-Emery
Forwards:
Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Hugo Ekitiké, Randal Kolo Muani, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappé, Christopher Nkunku
